The Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp) expressed concern about the proposal by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to apply 25% tariffs on Brazilian products. According to the entity, the measure would have a strong negative impact on commercial relations between the two countries and on the competitiveness of the national industry.
“Business diplomacy has played an important role in negotiating the exclusions from a list of products so far. At this moment, however, quick and firm action by the Brazilian government is essential to avoid confirming serious losses to the country’s exports before the final decision, expected for July”, said Paulo Skaf, president of Fiesp, in a note.
The entity informed that it will continue to work with Brazilian and American authorities to try to reverse the proposed measures or, at least, reduce their impacts on the national industry.
The USTR concluded a trade investigation against Brazil and proposed the application of 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods, with exceptions provided for in a specific list of products.
According to the USTR, certain acts, policies and practices of the Brazilian government are “unreasonable” and “encumber or restrict” United States trade. With the conclusion of the investigation, opened in July, the agency presented corrective measures and opened the case for a public hearing.
The Brazilian government assessed the tax proposal made by the USTR as “absurd” when concluding the commercial investigation against the country, as it did not have a consistent technical basis.
Continues after advertising
